From Government to CRE Leadership: Kameshia Freeman – Senior Vice President at JLL (Ep. 98)

From Government to CRE Leadership: Kameshia Freeman – Senior Vice President at JLL (Ep. 98)

Author: Dustin Sutton November 25, 2025 Duration: 43:36

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Kameshia L. Freeman, Senior Vice President at JLL and a nationally recognized leader in commercial real estate, government advisory, and organizational development. With more than two decades of federal service and an award-winning career in the private sector, Kameshia shares a powerful perspective on what it truly means to connect, lead, and create meaningful relationships across industries.

Kameshia breaks down the mindset shift required when transitioning from government to the private sector, emphasizing the importance of visibility, authenticity, and giving more than you expect to receive. She discusses her journey from the General Services Administration to JLL, the lessons that shaped her leadership style, and how building genuine connections continues to open doors—for herself and for others.

Listeners will gain insight into relationship-building, career development, and the strategic value of meaningful connections in both public and private sectors.

Takeaways

  • Connecting is more powerful than traditional networking
  • Networking often focuses on getting; connecting focuses on giving
  • Relationships are incredibly important for long-term success
  • Government roles rarely teach people how to network
  • After leaving government, visibility becomes essential
  • Strong relationships fuel career growth in the private sector
  • Serving others is the foundation of true connection
  • Visibility can elevate professional opportunities
  • Leadership requires creating space and opportunities for others
  • Your approach to networking evolves as your career evolves

Chapters

  1. 00:00 Introduction to Kameshia Freeman
  2. 03:43 Growing Up and Early Influences
  3. 06:58 Education and Career Beginnings
  4. 09:50 Navigating the Federal Government
  5. 12:54 Transitioning to Commercial Real Estate
  6. 15:52 Leadership and Career Growth
  7. 18:36 Challenges and Innovations in Government
  8. 21:53 Building Relationships and Networking
  9. 24:45 The Move to JLL and Insights from Government
  10. 27:36 Creating Opportunities for Others
  11. 30:49 Self-Care and Personal Growth
  12. 33:42 Parting Wisdom and Final Thoughts
  13. 43:29 SUBSCRIBE OUTRO

Connect with Kameshia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klfreeman/

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Dustin Sutton hosts TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES, a podcast built on the idea that success in any field is a blend of the right resources, innate abilities, and learned methods. The conversations here roam across a wide landscape, from the concrete strategies of real estate and business to the evolving dynamics of technology and the revealing parallels found in sports. Rather than offering quick tips, each episode settles into a detailed discussion with a genuine leader or innovator, unpacking the specifics of their path. You’ll hear how they’ve scaled ventures, managed personal evolution, and applied financial insights, all framed by their unique experiences. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about the tangible, often hard-won lessons that actually move the needle. The result is a collection of dialogues that feel both broad in scope and deeply practical, whether you're building a company, honing a skill, or simply curious about the mechanics of achievement. Tune into this podcast for those unscripted moments where real strategy and personal insight intersect, providing a useful perspective no matter your own professional arena.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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